iRobot's 8 New Roombas After Bankruptcy (Complete Guide 2026)
iRobot is back from the dead with 8 new Roomba models. Under new Chinese ownership after bankruptcy, the lineup is smaller, cheaper, and completely renumbered. Here’s everything you need to know about every single model.
The Backstory: Bankruptcy, Acquisition, and Rebirth
Let’s not sugarcoat this. iRobot, the company that invented the robot vacuum category, went bankrupt. After Amazon’s $1.7 billion acquisition fell through in early 2024 due to EU regulatory concerns, iRobot burned through cash, laid off staff, and eventually filed for bankruptcy protection. Shenzhen PICEA Robotics, a Chinese robotics company, acquired the remains.
That’s a tough pill for longtime Roomba fans. The brand that pioneered home robotics is now owned by a company most consumers have never heard of. But the May 2026 announcement of 8 new models suggests PICEA is serious about keeping Roomba competitive, not just milking the brand name.
The question hanging over everything: can the new iRobot compete with Roborock, Dreame, and Ecovacs? Those brands spent the last two years eating Roomba’s lunch while iRobot was distracted by the failed Amazon deal and subsequent financial collapse. Check our Roborock vs Roomba comparison and Ecovacs vs Roborock vs Dreame breakdown for the competitive landscape.
The New Numbering System
Gone are the j-series, i-series, and s-series names. The new lineup uses a straightforward three-digit numbering system with tier prefixes:
- Base models: Numbers only (115, 415, 515)
- Plus tier: “Plus” prefix (575, 615, 675)
- Max tier: “Max” prefix (715, 775)
Higher numbers mean more features and higher prices. “Combo” in the name means it vacuums and mops. “Vac” means vacuum only. Simple. After years of confusing model names (was the j7+ better than the i7+? What about the j9+?), this is a welcome change.
Every New Roomba Model: Specs and Prices
Roomba 115
The entry-level. Vacuum only. This is iRobot’s play for the sub-$200 market they previously ignored. Basic navigation, no mapping, no mopping. Think of it as the new Roomba for people who just want a robot to run while they’re at work and don’t care about fancy features.
Roomba 415 Combo
First combo model in the lineup. Vacuums and mops with the new roller mop system (more on that below). Basic room mapping. No auto-empty base. This is where things start getting interesting for most buyers.
Roomba 515 Combo
Mid-range combo. Better suction than the 415, smarter navigation with multi-floor mapping. Still no auto-empty base included, but compatible with one sold separately.
Roomba Plus 575 Combo
The “Plus” tier starts here. Improved suction, full multi-floor mapping, and the “hot spot mopping” feature that identifies high-traffic areas and gives them extra attention. Compatible with auto-empty dock.
Roomba Plus 615 Combo
Steps up with higher suction power, better obstacle avoidance (front-facing camera), and includes an auto-empty base in the box. Hot spot mopping included.
Roomba Plus 675 Combo
Top of the Plus tier. Maximum suction for this range, advanced obstacle avoidance, auto-empty base included, and the most thorough mopping pattern. This likely replaces what the old Roomba Combo j7+ used to do.
Roomba Max 715 Vac
Interesting choice: this is vacuum-only but positioned in the premium Max tier. Maximum suction power across the entire lineup, advanced navigation, auto-empty base included. For people who want the absolute best vacuum performance and handle mopping separately (or don’t mop at all).
Roomba Max 775 Combo
The flagship. Everything iRobot can throw at a robot vacuum in 2026. Highest suction, best obstacle avoidance, roller mop with hot spot mopping, auto-empty and auto-fill water dock. This is the model that has to compete with the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Dreame L20 Ultra.
Key Changes: What’s Actually Different
25% Smaller Form Factor
This is the headline engineering change. Every new Roomba model is up to 25% smaller in diameter than the equivalent previous-generation model. That’s not a minor tweak. A smaller robot fits under more furniture, navigates tighter spaces between chair legs, and reaches corners that larger robots bump off of.
The old Roomba design was 13.3 inches in diameter. Competitors like Roborock already went smaller. iRobot is catching up, and the size reduction should meaningfully improve coverage in cluttered rooms.
Roller Mops Replace Vibrating Pads
Previous Roomba Combo models used vibrating pads for mopping. Fine for maintenance cleaning, terrible for dried-on stains. The new roller mop system provides actual scrubbing action. Think of a tiny paint roller spinning against your floor. It applies more consistent pressure and actually agitates stuck-on messes.
Hot Spot Mopping
The robot identifies areas with heavier soiling (kitchen in front of the stove, entryway by the door) and automatically makes extra passes with the mop. This is software intelligence, not hardware. The robot learns your home’s dirty spots over time and focuses effort where it matters most.
Aggressive Pricing
Here’s where the new ownership shows. Prices across the board are up to $270 cheaper than the models they replace. PICEA clearly understands that Roomba can’t command premium prices anymore when Roborock and Dreame offer objectively better specs for less money. The new pricing makes Roomba competitive again, at least on paper.
Comparison Table: New Roombas vs. Competition
| Model | Price | Type | Size vs. Previous Gen | Key Feature | Competitor Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roomba 115 | ~$179 | Vac Only | 25% smaller | Budget entry | Roborock Q Revo ($250) |
| Roomba 415 Combo | ~$249 | Vac + Mop | 25% smaller | Roller mop | Ecovacs N20 ($300) |
| Roomba 515 Combo | ~$329 | Vac + Mop | 25% smaller | Multi-floor map | Roborock Q8 Max ($350) |
| Roomba Plus 575 Combo | ~$399 | Vac + Mop | 25% smaller | Hot spot mopping | Dreame L10s ($400) |
| Roomba Plus 615 Combo | ~$499 | Vac + Mop | 25% smaller | Auto-empty base incl. | Roborock S8 ($450) |
| Roomba Plus 675 Combo | ~$599 | Vac + Mop | 25% smaller | Advanced obstacle avoidance | Roborock S8 Pro Ultra ($500) |
| Roomba Max 715 Vac | ~$549 | Vac Only | 25% smaller | Max suction (vac only) | Dreame X40 ($550) |
| Roomba Max 775 Combo | ~$699 | Vac + Mop | 25% smaller | Flagship all-in-one | Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra ($500) |
That last row is concerning for iRobot. The Max 775 Combo at $699 is competing against the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra at roughly $500 (on sale frequently). Roborock’s robot has proven itself over months of real-world use. The new Roomba is unproven. Brand loyalty only stretches so far when there’s a $200 gap.
For a full breakdown of the competitive field, see our best robot vacuum 2026 guide.
The Subscription Problem
iRobot Select is still here. The subscription service ($14.99/month or $149/year) that unlocks premium features, provides replacement parts, and offers extended warranty. Under previous management, iRobot pushed Select aggressively, sometimes locking basic features behind the paywall.
New ownership hasn’t clarified exactly what’s included without a subscription versus what requires Select. This is a red flag. If hot spot mopping or advanced mapping requires a subscription, that changes the value calculation dramatically. A $399 robot that needs $150/year in software fees to function properly is really a $549 robot in year one and $549+ ongoing.
Watch this space. We’ll update when iRobot clarifies the subscription tier details.
Can New Roomba Compete?
Let’s be honest about the competitive landscape. While iRobot was going through bankruptcy, the Chinese brands weren’t resting:
Roborock launched the S8 MaxV Ultra with 10,000 Pa suction, a extending mop arm, and a self-washing/drying dock. It costs around $500 on sale and it’s genuinely excellent.
Dreame pushed the L20 Ultra with similar specs and even more aggressive pricing. Their obstacle avoidance is among the best in the industry.
Ecovacs released the X2 Omni with a square design that reaches corners better than any round robot.
iRobot’s advantages in 2026: brand recognition (everyone knows “Roomba”), a 25% smaller form factor (genuine engineering win), proven customer support infrastructure in North America, and widespread retail availability. Their disadvantages: unproven new hardware under new ownership, potential subscription lock-in, and higher prices than comparable Chinese competitors.
The 115 and 415 Combo at the low end make sense. They’re priced competitively and fill a gap Roomba previously ignored. The Max 775 at the top? That’s a tough sell against Roborock and Dreame unless real-world cleaning performance is genuinely class-leading. We need hands-on testing to know.
Who Should Buy New Roombas?
Good candidates: People who want US-based customer support. Anyone loyal to the Roomba app ecosystem. Buyers who prioritize compact size for navigating under furniture. Budget buyers looking at the 115 or 415 Combo.
Should wait: Anyone considering the Max 775 Combo should wait for independent reviews. The premium pricing needs to be justified by premium performance, and we can’t confirm that yet.
Should look elsewhere: Power users who want proven flagship performance today. Roborock and Dreame have shipped, reviewed, and iterated on their premium robots. They work. The new Roombas are promises until people get them in their homes. Our Ecovacs vs Roborock vs Dreame comparison covers the proven alternatives.
See how we compare products for our full methodology.
FAQ
Are the new Roombas made in China? Yes. With Shenzhen PICEA Robotics owning iRobot, manufacturing has shifted to China. This is the same country where Roborock, Dreame, and Ecovacs manufacture. Previous Roombas were assembled in Malaysia and China depending on the model, so this isn’t as dramatic a shift as it might sound.
Do existing Roomba accessories and docks work with the new models? No. The 25% size reduction means new brushes, new dust bins, and new dock designs. Your old Clean Base won’t work with the new robots. If you have stockpiled replacement parts for an old Roomba, they won’t transfer.
Is iRobot Select (subscription) required for the new Roombas to function? The robots work without a subscription for basic vacuum and mop functions. iRobot Select adds features like personalized cleaning suggestions, extended warranty, automatic part replacements, and potentially some software features. Full details on what’s locked behind the subscription haven’t been confirmed yet.
When can you actually buy the new Roombas? Models are rolling out through summer 2026. The entry-level 115 and 415 Combo are available first. Higher-end Plus and Max models arrive in July and August 2026. Check iRobot.com and major retailers for specific availability dates.
How does the new roller mop compare to Roborock’s spinning mops? Different approach. Roborock uses dual spinning pads that rotate at high speed. iRobot’s roller mop uses a cylindrical roller that spins forward across the floor, similar to how a steam mop works. Both provide mechanical scrubbing action. The roller design may handle edges better (it extends closer to walls), but real-world performance comparisons need testing.
The Bottom Line
iRobot’s comeback is ambitious. Eight models, aggressive pricing, genuine engineering improvements in size and mopping capability. The question isn’t whether these robots look good on paper (they do). It’s whether a company emerging from bankruptcy under new ownership can execute on quality, reliability, and software polish.
The budget models (115, 415, 515) are probably safe bets. They’re priced fairly, they don’t have to beat premium competitors, and the Roomba brand still carries weight at retail. The flagship Max 775? Prove it. At $699, competing against the $500 Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, iRobot needs to deliver something special. We’ll know when independent reviews hit later this summer.
For the current state of the robot vacuum market, check our best robot vacuum 2026 rankings and our best smart home ecosystem guide if you want your vacuum integrated into a larger system.